Snack Lovin' & Questbar Cookie How-to

As a major foodie, I definitely enjoy my snack time.  Whether at home or at the office, I'm sure to keep lots of healthy snacks on hand to keep me full and energized throughout the day! I'm lucky enough that my work keeps a stash of healthy snack options (especially my favorite Special K Red Berries cereal).

At home, my go to snack is a Questbar.  If you haven't tried one yet I highly advise that your get yourself a few asap :) Snack time will never be the same.  Besides the insanely delicious flavors (chocolate chip cookie dough, double chocolate chunk, cinnamon roll, banana bread--just to name a few) These bars are low carb, low fat and loaded with protein. (20g!)  My favorite way to eat them is to make cookies! They're super easy to make and a great snack to have throughout the day.

Want to try them out yourself? Here's how I make mine:

Cut bar into 8 squares and microwave for 30 seconds. (Squares should start to expand while cooking)  You can flatten the tops of the squares with a fork if you want more of a cookie shape.

Set your oven on the high broil setting and transfer squares to a cookie sheet.  Place in oven for 30-60 seconds, until tops are slightly browned. 

Enjoy! :)

Daily meal prepping!

Thought I'd share my weekly meal planning routine! Planning my lunches ahead has always helped me to stay on track and eat healthy when I'm at work.  I use myfitness pal to keep track of my daily macro intakes (protein, carbs, and fat), so I usually plan out what I'm going to eat and pack lunch the night before. This way, I'm not rushed in the morning and it leaves room for my daily coffee run ;)

I try to change up my daily lunches, so I don't get tired of eating the same boring meals each day.  For example, today I packed a salad topped with pear slices, almonds, grilled chicken and poppyseed dressing.  As a side, I packed plain chobani greek yogurt topped with a bit of granola and cinnamon.  

Some other lunches I tend to pack include turkey wraps or bagel thin sandwiches with a side of fruit and veggies.  I also pack snacks to keep me full and give me energy before I head to the gym after work! (questbars, larabars, protein powder + iced coffee, etc.)

Later this week, I'll give a more detailed post about how I track my macros and a daily example of eating + workouts.  Any questions are welcome! Post in comments or email us at pushupsandpopcorn@gmail.com :)

73 calorie pumpkin spice protein muffins!!

Finally got around to using the rest of my pumpkin! Made some yummy pumpkin spice protein muffins. Best part? Only 73 calories per muffin.  Since I'm a college student, I don't have a lot of ingredients on hand so I tried to come up with a recipe using what I have in my kitchen.  They were super easy to make and taste SO good! 

3/4 cup rolled oats

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Gold Standard Whey)

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin spice

1/2 cup pure pumpkin

1/2 cup almond milk

2 egg whites

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grind oats in blender until you have a powder.  Combine ground oats with rest of dry ingredients then add wet ingredients and stir until smooth.

Fill muffin cups until halfway full and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until the tops are slightly browned.

Recipe makes six muffins!

73 cal per muffin (May change depending on the protein powder you use. Mine is 120 cal per scoop)

13g carb, 1g fat, 6g protein

Texas got the best of me

So I know I've been talking about how I need to get back into my normal gym routine but after getting off work early I couldn't help going for a run once I got home! Guess it's the Ohioan in me coming out. Hard to resist outdoor workouts when the weather here is super nice everyday. I was also sporting my new IU tank courtesy of Taylor :) got her birthday package in the mail filled with lots of goodies (pumpkin Lara Alt bars, loads of candy, magazines, Starbucks Blonde Roast via packs to name a few) ;) 

Also, SO happy that tomorrow is Friday! I plan on heading up to Whole Foods to stock up on ingredients to make more pumpkin goodies- recipes to come :) I'm also going to a Noah and the Whale concert (& ACL after show) in downtown Austin with my roommate! 

We know we're new to the blogging game so we'd love some feedback from our readers! Are there certain posts you'd like to see in the future? Perhaps daily workouts? More on our daily eating habits? Recipes? More random updates on our lives?  If ya'll have any questions feel free to email us at pushupsandpopcorn@gmail.com! We'll be happy to answer any and all questions!

Switchin' it up on you!

Surprise, surprise! No oatmeal for breakfast this morning. Thought I'd change it up so I made this delicious Greek yogurt bowl!

6 oz plain Chobani

1/2 cup frozen berries

1/2 banana 

2 tablespoons Bear Naked granola

M2 is an apple with 1 tablespoon of PB and an iced coffee with half a scoop of vanilla protein powder! Gotta have my morning work snack :)

IT'S HERE! New Questbar review and WOD

QUEST BAR LOVIN'

So I know you've all been waiting patiently for this day but MY NEW QUESTBARS came! If you haven't tried these yet I highly recommend that you do! They're low carb, low fat, and have 20g of protein! You can find this yummy flavor along with many others at GNC. Normally, I'm strictly a Cookie Dough girl but I couldn't resist trying out the new flavor. Never thought I'd say this but I definitely have a new favorite.  This literally tastes like a candy bar. I'll definitely be investing in more.  The best part about Questbars is that you can put them in the oven for a few minutes to make delicious cookies. Snack bar and cookie dough in one? Definitely okay in my book

WORKOUT OF THE DAY

After a streak of post birthday gym-avoidance I finally made it back to the gym on campus.  I was in a pretty good mood after work today and it paid off in my workout.  Started with a 3 mile treadmill jog followed by 30 min of weight training (today was arms + abs). Definitely felt good after this workout! Inspired me to get back into my workout routine.

Pumpkin spice oatmeal recipe and today's lunch!

Started off the day with a DELICIOUS fall-inspired oatmeal recipe! Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal! Was struggling pretty hard this morning in terms of being on time so I failed to take a picture of the scrumptious concoction but I'm happy to share the recipe with all of you! I'm sure I'll be making it again soon so I'll be sure to snap a pic.

RECIPE FOR PUMPKIN SPICE OATMEAL

1/4 cup canned pumpkin- I used Libby's brand

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup milk or water (I  use unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

1/2 packet truvia

1 tsp pumpkin spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 sliced banana (optional topping)

TOTAL: 245 calories per serving (with half banana)

Combine oats and milk or waters in bowl, microwave for 2 minutes (I usually pause to stir mix twice). Once done add all other ingredients and mix.  I like to add bananas, berries or walnuts as yummy toppings!

Today's lunch was a Flatout filled with spinach and turkey, along with a side of fresh strawberries, carrots, and bell peppers! FINALLY trying my new Questbar flavor as an afternoon snack!!

Whole Foods Obsession?

Hands down best part about living in Austin? Living within walking distance to the Whole Foods Flagship store. 

Last quest bar......

SO not okay!!! Thankfully, this girl is getting a box of the new Chocolate Chunk flavor in the mail this week! Can't wait to try the new bars. Reviews will definitely be posted so stay tuned :)

Surprise, surprise. Oats and berries :)

Healthy dorm room breakfast

Taylor's breakfast bowl! Strawberry Banana Chobani topped with Special K Protein Plus Cereal and banana slices

Tonight's tasty dinners!

Taylor:

I picked up dinner to go tonight from my school’s dining hall.  This goes to show that not all college food is unhealthy. Even though the pizza and waffle makers are tempting, I try to save unhealthy meals for treat days and choose healthier options like the salad bar for everyday meals! You just need to find healthy options that work for you and stick to them.

Kelsey

Does this picture look familiar? You caught me…stopped at Central Market on my way home from work to make my favorite dinner from the salad bar! Loaded up on veggies, fruit and protein to make a delicious meal.  Salad bars are a great way to save money, as opposed to picking up dinner from a fast food restaurant or cafe.  This HUGE salad only cost me $6! 

Feelin' like fall

Switched up my coffee order today! Ordered a Blonde Roast with sugar free vanilla. Sprinkled cinnamon and nutmeg on the top! SO GOOD

PB Banana Berry Oats Recipe

Made my favorite oatmeal again today! Thought I’d share my recipe because it’s super easy to make and great if you’re in a hurry in the mornings like me.

PB Banana Berry Oats

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (can sub any milk or water)

Combine oats and liquid in microwave for 2 minutes. I usually stop two times to stir the mix.

Once finished add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, half packet of Truvia, and cinnamon.
Stir mixture again and top with your favorite fruit! I usually add blueberries and bananas.

Also, SIDENOTE- this morning was my first completely successful attempt at making an omelet. Usually, it turns out as a mangled mess when I try to flip it but I was able to make a perfectly delicious half circle omelet!

Today's workout!

Finally made it back to the gym today! Started out with a 20 minute HIIT workout. HIIT is a great way to burn extra calories and add variety to your cardio. It definitely makes the workout go by faster. After, I completed a strength training circuit followed by a 5 minute cool down on the treadmill.

Pre-birthday treats

Used my Starbucks birthday rewards today! Big day is comin’ up soon :)

Yummy work lunch!

For lunch today I packed a salad loaded with berries and almonds topped with poppyseed dressing, a chobani yogurt with Bear Naked granola, and sliced red peppers. Also packed a Blueberry Muffin Larabar for later!

Breakfast this morning was my favorite blueberry banana & pb oats 😋 let me know if anyone would like the recipe!

Lululemon Lovin

Went for a run after work today. Since the weather is getting cooler I’ve decided to switch up my workout routine. Instead of doing 5 days at the gym, I’m going to run outside for 2 of the days. It’s been nice getting a break from the gym and fitting more cardio into my workouts!

Today's breakfast!

Made a quick breakfast this morning since I was in a hurry! An egg white omelet with Special K Protein Plus cereal, almond milk, and a side of berries. Also trying out my new Whole Foods iced coffee with a half scoop of vanilla protein powder.

Fluffy 64 calorie protein pancake recipe!

RAINY SUNDAY PROTEIN PANCAKES- 64 CALORIES EACH

Sunday mornings may be my favorite time of the week? Why? I think the photo pretty much answers that question. I’d been trying to find the perfect protein pancake recipe and I’ve finally succeeded. Reasons these are the best pancakes you’ll ever make?
1. They’re not paper thin like a lot of the protein pancakes I’ve seen
2. They taste exactly like regular pancakes, minus the guilt
3. They’re an AWESOME and delicious way to get your protein in for the day. Perfect post-workout meal.
4. Best part? You can have the entire batch because they are only 64 calories per pancake!

The recipe-

1/3 cup rolled oats (grind in blender to make powder)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Gold Standard Whey)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 egg whites
1/4 banana or 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon almond milk (any milk works)
1/2 pack truvia (optional)

Mix all wet ingredients before adding dry ingredients. Cook on medium-high heat.
Perfect toppings? Berries, peanut butter, or my favorite- sugar free syrup

Feel free to send me asks with any questions!
I’ll be happy to give anyone the macro count for these, also!

First time at Jason's Deli!

I’ve been wanting to try out Jason’s Deli for a long time, so when I noticed one on my way home I had to stop to grab dinner! Although the place itself wasn’t that exciting, their salad bar was AWESOME. Loaded up my salad with grilled chicken, lots of fresh veggies, nuts and some apple slices. Kept dinner light tonight to save room for some snacks at the movies tonight! :)

Post Workout Whole Foods Goodies

What would a workout be without a trip to Whole Foods after? I couldn’t help myself ;) Trying out the N.O. Brew Iced Vanilla Coffee for the week (cutting back on the Starbucks) and a carrot cake Larabar- still haven’t been able to hunt down the new pumpkin or snickerdoodle flavors!

Saturday Morning Workout

For my weekend workouts I usually give myself a break from the gym and make use of the perfect weather in Texas.  While I usually run at the park near the lake, today I decided to go for a hike instead!

My Favorite To-Go Dinner

Stopped by Central Market after work to pick up dinner from their delicious salad bar! Grilled chicken, cucumbers, broccoli, strawberries and cranberries

Healthy Lunch Packing

Because I’m working during the day, I’ve been trying to pack my lunch rather than eating out everyday. I’ve been doing IIFYM (flexible eating) for the past two months, so packing my lunch allows me to keep track of my meals and save money!
Today I packed:
Turkey and spinach Flatout wrap
1/2 cut up red bell pepper
Parfait (Fage Greek yogurt topped with cinnamon, 1tblspn Bear Naked Granola, 1 tablespoon rolled oats, blueberries)
Dark chocolate sea salt Kind Bar for a snack later!

Matching Intern Snacks

My favorite breakfast

Dinner at Moonshine!

Mom came to visit Austin last week so I took her to one of my favorite restaurants- Moonshine Patio and Bar! They had a great menu with lots of healthy choices.  I ordered the seasonal chef salad (spinach, peaches, candied walnuts, and red onions with grilled chicken.) Definitely didn’t feel guilty when we were surprised with free red velvet cake served in a mason jar to celebrate the restaurant’s anniversary!

The best part of living on campus in Austin? DEFINITELY the rec center. Nothing like being able to lay out at the pool after a workout. Especially with the year-round sunshine :)

Trader Joe's grocery goods

Picked up some weekly staples from the Trader Joe's down the street from my apartment.  TJ's has GREAT prices and awesome healthy choices, especially when you're living in NYC and can literally pay $7 at a normal grocery store for a box of cereal! 

Can't beat this running view!

Living in New York, its hard NOT to find somewhere fun to run.  Workouts are much easier when your morning run view looks like this :)